Semua Bab The CEO’s Obsession: Layla, You’re Not Allowed to Die: Bab 171 - Bab 180

As night fell, a small bonfire crackled on the beach, casting a warm, golden glow. Layla sat cross-legged on the sand, camera in hand, flipping through the photos she had just taken. Suddenly, a grilled sausage appeared in front of her. “Sis, put the camera down for a second and eat something.” Carter plopped down beside her, glancing at the camera screen with curiosity. “Hey, I saw a photo set go viral the other day. That was yours, wasn’t it?“I even shared it! Did you see?” Layla chuckled. “Really? There were so many reposts—I wouldn’t even know if yours was in there.” Carter was momentarily speechless. Ouch. But, well… fair enough. “I told you, you’ve got real talent. If you stick with photography, you’ll be a big-time photographer one day. People will be lining up, begging you to take their pictures!“Once you get better, I’ll be your first model. And don’t worry, I’ll hype you up all over the internet!” Layla didn’t respond right away. She simply smiled—a s

Sean’s patience had worn thin. Without hesitation, he stepped past Xena. When she tried to clutch at the hem of his shirt, he yanked it free—swiftly, decisively. “Sean!” Her desperate cries echoed behind him, but he didn’t turn back. Inside the house, Sean found Kiera standing by the wine cabinet, carefully selecting a bottle of red. When their eyes met, she caught the flicker of coldness in his gaze, making her pause. “That was fast,” Kiera noted. “There wasn’t much to say,” Sean replied flatly. “I promised you I’d cut ties with her, and I intend to keep that promise.” The warmth of the house contrasted sharply with the bitter cold outside. Sean shrugged off his coat and loosened his tie. “I’ll pass on the wine. I’ll take you home soon.” Kiera, holding the bottle and two wine glasses, took a step closer. “It’s already late. Why don’t I just stay?” Sean raised an eyebrow at her. “Does your family know you’re staying out overnight?” Kiera laughed lightly. “

That night, news of the Jenkins and Perry families’ meeting made its way to Layla. Carter waved his phone in front of her. “Sis, take a good look. Don’t you think every smile in this picture looks fake?” The screen showed a group photo from the gathering, originally posted by Susan and then reshared enough times to land on Carter’s phone. Layla gave it a quick glance, barely interested. “Looks fine to me.” “Look closer! Sean’s smile is so forced, he might as well be crying.” Carter shook his head with a dramatic sigh. “I heard from my mom that the Jenkins family is totally against Kiera being with him.“Too bad. She’s acting like she’s under some kind of spell.“If you feel so bad for her, why don’t you fly back and talk some sense into her?” William closed his laptop, removed his gold-rimmed glasses, and turned to Carter with a slow, deliberate look. “I can arrange a flight for you.” “No way!” Carter immediately stashed his phone and slumped onto the couch. “I was

“What else could it mean?” Ivan let out a long sigh. “Obviously, she sent me as a watchdog. That kid Carter is clearly on Layla’s side, and Aunt Scarlett doesn’t trust him.“She’s worried about you being alone with Layla—afraid you’ll get in too deep. So she sat me down for a little talk and sent me over to keep an eye on things… maybe even talk some sense into you.” Ivan crossed his arms, looking thoroughly resigned. “Honestly, she’s giving me way too much credit. Since when have I ever been able to change your mind?“So yeah, I agreed just to put her at ease. That’s all.” As he spoke, he carefully studied William’s expression, testing the waters. “Aunt Scarlett sounded genuinely concerned. Are you really planning to go against your dad over Layla?” From childhood to adulthood, William had always been the levelheaded one. Sure, he was cold, but he never acted out. That was why Scarlett always bragged about how lucky she was—her son was exceptional and easy to manage.

Xena was ushered into the car without delay. She barely looked surprised when she saw Sean sitting in the backseat, as if she had expected this all along. “Sean, you finally came to see me.” She slid in beside him, a soft smile playing on her lips. “So? What’s the occasion? Did you miss me?” “What’s going on between you and Felix?” Sean cut straight to the point. Ever since that night when he saw Felix standing by her side, the thought had nagged at him. His gut told him something was off. Xena feigned innocence. “What do you mean? What could possibly be going on between us?” “Drop the act.” Sean grabbed her wrist, pulling her closer, his tone sharp. “I’m a man too—I know when another man is interested.“Stay away from him, Xena. If you don’t, you’ll be the one paying the price.” She met his gaze with a knowing smile. “Sean, are you jealous?” “Xena Xander!” Sean clenched his jaw, his patience wearing thin. “This is a warning. Don’t twist my words into